'Cracker makers back in business

THE shuttered 48 firecracker establishments in Bocaue, Bulacan are back in business after the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) lifted the work stoppage order issued against them.

Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III lifted the Work Stoppage Order against 48 establishments engaged in manufacture and sale of pyrotechnics and firecrackers in Bulacan after they were found compliant with general labor and occupational safety and health standards.

“The 48 establishments were compliant with labor and OSH standards and other pertinent labor laws, rules, and regulations,” Bello said during the 83rd anniversary celebration of the DoLE at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City.

Bello however stressed that there is a need to institute reforms in the firecrackers and pyrotechnics industry, particularly in manufacturing and retailing.

“It is necessary to ensure that the workers are provided with protection under the labor and OSH standards,” he said.

The establishments are part of the 88 establishments engaged in manufacture and sale of pyrotechnics and firecrackers in Bulacan which were inspected by the DoLE Regional Office No. 3.

Of the 88 establishments, 24 are in manufacturing and 64 are in retail/selling firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

Bello said that there are still 40 establishments whose WSOs have not yet been lifted and are undergoing assessment by the Regional Office.

“Once the establishment is found compliant with the requirements, the Regional Office may recommend the lifting of the work stoppage order,” he said, adding that the Department is extending emergency employment assistance to affected workers of establishments whose WSO have not yet been lifted.

The enforcement of the Work Stoppage Order is a joint effort of the DoLE, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the local government units.

The requirements needed to recommend the lifting of the work stoppage order are Certification from the Philippine National Police that the establishment/local government unit is compliant with the requirements provided by Republic Act 7183 or An Act Regulating The Sale, Manufacture, Distribution And Use Of Firecrackers And Other Pyrotechnic Devices; valid fire safety certification from the Bureau of Fire; one day safety awareness training for all workers; and conduct of DoLE Joint Assessment.

Bello clarified the work stoppage order mainly mandated the stoppage of work of any unit, department or entire operation of an establishment when non-compliance with occupational safety and health standards poses imminent danger to the health and safety of the employees in the workplace.

On Nov. 24, Bello issued a Work Stoppage Order to all establishments engaged in the manufacture and sale of pyrotechnics and firecrackers nationwide, following the recent explosions in fireworks shops in Bulacan that killed five people and injured 30 others.

In one incident, two people were killed and 24 others were injured when an explosion occurred on Oct. 12 in a group of fireworks shops in Barangay 1st, Bocaue, Bulacan.